Leave it better than before!

By: Steve Ross | 16-Apr-2019 (Edited: 09-Nov-2019)

Turn Around, Look Around & Take Action

Call it what you will, the concept of leaving something at least as good as you found it, if not better, shouldn't be a foreign concept to people. Unfortunately, all too often people continue not to do it. Maybe it's because as leaders we expect this ideal to be something learned as a child. Sadly, at all age levels, it seems to be missing from time to time.

Either way, having a brief conversation with someone to set this expectation can never be a bad idea, and it works pretty much everywhere.

At Home

About to leave the Kitchen? 

Turn Around/Look Around, did you forget to put that plate in the dishwasher or throw out the box from the food you just made? Take action; in 2 seconds you can fix that problem and not leave it for someone else.

About to leave your bedroom for the day? 

Turn Around/Look Around, did you leave the bed a mess? Take action. It will only take a moment to quickly make your bed which is a productive way to start the day.*

In public

Finished getting your tan at the beach or your picnic in the park?

Turn Around/Look Around, did you gather all your trash up and leave behind nothing but your footprints? If not, Take Action, ensuring trash isn't left behind. It is all of our responsibilities, and if we have a goal of taking 1-2 things that weren't ours, we can continue to enjoy the planet, or at least that beach a little longer. 

At work

Leaving the office kitchen?

Turn Around/Look Around, did you take enough coffee to nearly empty the carafe? Take Action, don't make someone else have to wait for it to brew, start up a new pot and let them find fresh coffee. Not only will it be a pleasant surprise, but they'll also get back to work faster!

Are you done at a shared workspace for the day? 

Turn Around/Look Around, did you leave the desk neat and tidy? Take Action, especially if you're under the weather. Putting everything in its place and taking a moment to wipe down the surface, keyboard, and mouse will allow someone else to remain healthy and be happy to arrive at a clean and fully functioning desk.

By now you certainly get the point, and while I have no backing research, I know when I do these things I feel better believing that I helped another person or made it possible for someone else to be happier. If in the end, that means someone is more productive at work, more successful in their career, more comfortable at home, or that trash not being left in their home hurts one less animal, then it's all worth it!

*Please note that there is research showing that you should not make your bed immediately when you wake up. Exposing it to the sunlight and air kills germs and dust mites. To balance the two, turn down your covers completely when you get out of bed, prepare for your day, then just before you leave, tuck it all in!

Make today great and tomorrow even better!